Hey Mary Kay: Do you think defensive end Jadeveon Clowney's excellent 40-time (4.53) at the Combine puts him in the mix for the Browns at No. 4?

-- Kevin Young, Sugar Hill, Ga.

Hey Kevin: I do think the Browns will strongly consider Clowney at No. 4 along with the top three quarterbacks (Johnny Manziel, Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles) and receiver Sammy Watkins. Clowney has the size, freakish speed and explosiveness to take over a game, and had good production at South Carolina. But some scouts question his work ethic and self-discipline. Still, he's considered a top 10 talent, and the Browns will do their due diligence. Coach Mike Pettine coached former No. 1 overall pick Mario Williams to a 13-sack season last year with the Bills and would know exactly what to do with a Clowney.

Hey Mary Kay: Do you think the Browns will franchise Alex Mack or T.J. Ward?

-- Allen Braswell, Tampa, Fla.

Hey Allen: Heading into the offseason, the Browns had no plans to franchise Mack or Ward. But they're committed to re-signing Mack, and think T.J. Ward can help them win, which means there's a chance that either one of them could get franchised by Monday's deadline. In the event they do franchise one of them, they can continue to negotiation a long-term contract with him.

Hey Mary Beth: The Bills are still trying to sign their Pro Bowl safety to a long-term deal. If it doesn't happen, they can franchise him for the second straight season up until Monday. It looks like the Bills are committed to keeping him, but if he becomes a free agent, I'd expect coach Mike Pettine to make a strong pitch. Not only is Byrd a great player, but new head coaches often like to bring in one of their former players to help teach the scheme and set the tone.

Hey Mary Kay: What impact will D'Qwell Jackson leaving have on the team?

-- Melissa Wigginton, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Hey Melissa: The Browns might be able to replace Jackson's production on the field, but they will be hard-pressed to match his leadership ability. Jackson was the undisputed leader of the team and held the squad together in the aftermath of the Trent Richardson trade last year. He also kept the players calm in the midst of Josh Gordon trade rumors and carried the defense through a four-game suspension by Joe Haden in 2012. Haden and T.J. Ward attribute much of their growing up in recent years to the example set by Jackson. He will be missed and someone will have to fill the void.

Hey, Mary Kay: I would like to know why the Browns can't take Derek Carr at #4. It should be the Browns decision who they take, when they want to take whatever player.

- Mike B., Pioneer, Ohio

Hey Mike: The Browns can absolutely take Carr at No. 4 if they so choose. He's not really rated to go that high, but if he's your guy and you're worried about losing him before your number is called again at No. 26, by all means, take him. I was very impressed with Carr's podium interview at the NFL Scouting Combine and with his skillset overall. Former Browns scout Daniel Jeremiah, now an NFL Network analyst, says he's been told that Carr is the Browns' target and they want to take him at No. 26. Is it a smokescreen? I can't imagine the Browns would let that slip out there now if it's true, but anything's possible.

Hey Mary Kay: Which of the Big Three quarterbacks would you draft at No. 4?

- Steve C., Cleveland, Ohio

Hey Steve: I've talked to scouts who aren't 100% sold on any of the three (Johnny Manziel, Blake Bortles and Teddy Bridgewater), but I like Bridgewater the best. He's a dual-threat quarterback with a terrific arm and an obsession for the game, which is necessary to succeed at this level. He needs to add about 10 more pounds to his 214-pound frame, but he's got the skillset, work ethic and mentality to succeed.

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